Saleem Samad, an award-winning investigative journalist, writer and media rights defender, passed away on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. He was 74.

In a Facebook post, Mohiuddin Ahmad, Saleem's close associate, eminent columnist, wrote, ''He had been admitted to the hospital in a very critical condition. I went to see him last Friday and it felt like he was spending his final moments. I received the news of his passing just minutes ago."

Saleem Samad was widely respected for his investigative reporting.

He conducted workshops on environment and development journalism for South Asian journalists in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He was former Media Specialist for US-based non-profit organisation Academy for Educational Development (AED), Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC), Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Forum (BMSF), and Forum of Environmental Journalist, Bangladesh (FEJB).

Saleem received the Ashoka Fellowship in 1991 for his work on environment and development. Over his career, he earned several accolades and international awards.

Sun News/ra